Snap-on 1/2" Drive x 36" SN36 Breaker Bar?

[Tennessee Cattleman]

How is the Snap-on 1/2 inch drive, 36 inch long, SN36 breaker bars holding up, anybody managed to bend or break one without using a cheater?

 

[Tennessee Cattleman]

There was a lot of talk about these breaker bars when they first came out, must not have been all that popular after all with no comments either for or against them.

 

[Dave455]

I’ve got one. Got it on a deal when they first came out.

In honesty, I generally think 24 inch is about the practical limit in 1/2 inch drive, and even then a 24 inch bar will flex (although some manufacturers, such as Stahlwille, make the 24 inch bar heftier).

If I need anything more than a 24 inch bar I generally go for 3/4” drive, and I sometimes find a shorter 3/4” drive bar works better than a long 1/2” as it’s so much more rigid.

But… I do have some uses (hub nuts) where I have to use a 1/2” drive socket, and the torque is considerable. Those are the jobs I got the 36 inch for.

In honesty I doubt I am applying more torque than the 24 inch bar is capable of, but the 36 just makes life easier.

I’ve had no issues with it, and in fact quite like it.

 

[f121]

I’ve got one, don’t use it much. It bends when you jump on it, but so far it’s always bounced back with no damage.

Generally I use the 2’ flex head ratchet thou, or get out the 3/4” set.

 

[Tennessee Cattleman]

I have a 24" Snap-on and it does flex a lot more than I like, have wondered if the 36" flexes that much? Have a 3/4" Wright Bull Bar and a 4 feet cheater for the heavy stuff.

 

[lotus_esprit]

I have a 24" Snap-on and it does flex a lot more than I like, have wondered if the 36" flexes that much? Have a 3/4" Wright Bull Bar and a 4 feet cheater for the heavy stuff.

The SN36 has a larger diameter shank than the 24” so it a bit stiffer. I’ve actually got two, a chrome handle and soft grip, I must sell one really.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

I have a 24" Snap-on and it does flex a lot more than I like, have wondered if the 36" flexes that much? Have a 3/4" Wright Bull Bar and a 4 feet cheater for the heavy stuff.

I have both the 24 and 36 and I have had the 36 flex quite a few times but it has always went back to shape. If I can fit and use the 36 that is what I go for first.

 

[98ssuck]

I’ve got the 24” Snapon version. For the work I do it is typically sufficient. When the 24” gets flexy I move up to 3/4” drive.